CVE-2008-3926 in CMME
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Content Management Made Easy (CMME) 1.12 allow remote attackers to (1) read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the env parameter in a weblog action to index.php, or (2) create arbitrary directories via a .. (dot dot) in the env parameter in a login action to admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3926 affects Content Management Made Easy version 1.12 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw that exposes the application to remote code execution and data compromise. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the handling of the env parameter within two distinct application endpoints. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of double dot sequences that represent parent directory references in Unix-like systems and Windows file systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the env parameter in two separate attack vectors. In the first scenario, when a user accesses the weblog action through index.php, an attacker can inject directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation in the env parameter to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This enables attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that should remain protected within the application's directory structure. The second attack vector targets the login action in admin.php where the same directory traversal technique can be employed to create arbitrary directories, potentially leading to the establishment of persistent access points or the deployment of malicious payloads within the application's file structure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation that allows attackers to traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries. The impact of this flaw extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire application server. The operational consequences include unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and the ability to establish backdoors or persistent access mechanisms within the target environment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to T1083 - File and Directory Discovery and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables attackers to discover system files and potentially gain access to sensitive information through phishing attacks that leverage the compromised system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the env parameter with directory traversal sequences. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be easily automated and exploited by threat actors with basic knowledge of web application vulnerabilities. Organizations using CMME 1.12 are at significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially the entire hosting environment, as attackers can access system files, configuration data, and other applications running on the same server. The lack of proper input sanitization and path validation in the application code creates a fundamental security gap that allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious operations within the application's context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the CMME application to version 1.13 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, organizations should implement proper input sanitization at the application level, including the validation and filtering of all user-supplied input parameters. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, while proper file system permissions and access controls should be implemented to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.